Our Story

GP Cottonwood Stables was founded by Gail Pellizzari in 1973. A life-long horse enthusiast, Gail had a passion for equestrian education and developing good horsemanship.

She is widely recognized on Vancouver Island and throughout BC as a pillar of the equestrian community.

Gail's daughter, Selena Pellizzari, grew up at Cottonwood Stables, and followed in her mother's footsteps.

Selena's equestrian experience includes everything from early years competing in western pleasure, Pony Club and 3-day eventing to managing the horse show at the Pacific National Exhibition and working in sales and training barns in Florida, California and Holland.

She has learned from instructors locally, provincially and internationally, and continues to increase her knowledge every day. She currently concentrates on dressage, training her own horses and competing with them on a regular basis.

Gail passed away in 2005, but her enthusiasm for learning and spirit of good horsemanship are still the basis of Cottonwood Stables today.

Cottonwood is very much a family environment; where the staff and horses are family, and the students and boarders are very close family friends.

Although some of Cottonwood's clients have been at the barn for many years, newcomers are always welcome!

The Cottonwood "crew" at a spring show. Relaxing after summer lessons.